Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drinking Might Shrink Your Brain But May Reduce Diabetes Risk: Studies
Axios reports on a study published in Nature that links reduced brain volume to alcohol consumption, even among moderate drinkers. On the other hand, a study reported by the Press Association links drinking wine with food to a lower risk of developing diabetes.
Alzheimer’s Drug Woes Push Biogen To Lay Off Staff
Stat reports that a reduction of around 1,000 jobs may happen at Biogen, likely due to ongoing sales problems hitting its controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm. A data breach at Michigan Medicine, controversy over ads by Mass General Brigham, and more are also in the news.
Nonprofit Civica Rx to Make Insulin For Under $30 A Vial
Pending federal approval, the new affordable insulin source will be available as soon as early 2024. Civica’s effort will be supported by Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurers and others. Separately, a proposed $35 Build Back Better cap on monthly insulin costs is discussed.
Millions Of Vaccines In US Stockpiles Are Sitting Unused
Falling demand for covid shots is blamed for unused vaccines stored across the country, including in both highly- and poorly-vaccinated states. Other vaccine news relates to worries of parents of younger children who can’t get shots yet, and Moderna’s plans to open a hub in Atlanta.
9 In 10 Americans Don’t Need Masks Now, CDC Data Show
Meanwhile, the NFL and NFL Players Association suspended all covid rules for 2022’s football season, effective immediately. L.A. County will also lift indoor mask rules today. And Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is reportedly using footage of him scolding students for wearing masks to raise money.
Bots, Trolls Ease Up On Spread Of Covid Misinfo As They Pivot To Ukraine
Two possible explanations: Russia began limiting access to Twitter on Saturday, and sanctions have been levied against those who could be financing disinformation sites and bot farms, The Guardian says. In related news, the Surgeon General wants tech companies to share data on their sources of disinformation.
Blacks Hospitalized Much More Than Whites During Omicron Surge In NY
NYC Health observed a delay in the time between infection and diagnosis for Black residents. While most New Yorkers were diagnosed at least four days after the onset of symptoms, it took a day or more longer for Black New Yorkers, Bloomberg reported.
Sacklers Agree To Pay $6 Billion To Settle Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy
Sackler family members — who own Purdue Pharma and profited from its sales of OxyContin — agreed to increase their payout in opioid-related lawsuits to $6 billion in order to close out the company’s bankruptcy plan. The family also issued a statement of regret, though future liability may continue to be a sticking point before the deal is finalized.
Florida Abortion Ban After 15 Weeks Heads To DeSantis’ Desk
Both chambers of Florida’s legislature have ow approved the strict measure, which shortens the window for most abortions from 24 weeks to 15 with no exceptions for victims of rape, incest or human trafficking. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign it into law.
House Passes Bill To Expand Health Care For Vets Exposed To Burn Pits
The bill passed a 256-174 House vote Thursday. It would open up Veterans Affairs health care to more service members exposed to toxic burn pits during the Iraq or Afghanistan wars and expand disability benefits to veterans who have become sick.
White House Request For More Covid Funds Sets Up Fight In Congress
The Biden administration tacked on two new requests to ongoing budget talks that face a March 11 deadline: $10 billion in aid for Ukraine and $22.5 billion more to cover “immediate” pandemic-related expenses. Republicans have been expected to balk at authorizing more covid money.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Cancer; Alzheimer’s; E. Coli; Covid
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Examining Biden’s Covid Plans; Diabetes Sufferers Getting Insulin From Twitter
Editorial writers weigh in on covid, prescription costs, ACA and public private partnerships.
Medical Situation In Ukraine Declines Amid Covid Surge Warnings
News outlets cover the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, with evidence of patients from a children’s hospital sheltering from bombardment, worries that covid surges will happen, and a refugee crisis that has reached 1 million people. Medical exports to Russia are also in the spotlight.
Judge Blocks Anti-Transgender Investigation In Texas
District Judge Amy Clark Meachum said an investigation by the child protection agency into one family of a transgender teen could cause “irreparable injury.” She considering a statewide injunction. Meanwhile, in Alabama, lawmakers tried to ban doctors prescribing gender care for trans minors.
Rise In Telehealth Use Also Increasing Demand For Medical Office Space
More than 30% of telehealth visits resulted in a physical office visit, according to a new survey that polled more than 4,000 people in January, Modern Healthcare reported.
Significant New Clinical Trial Begins For Roche Alzheimer’s Drug
STAT reports that Roche and partner Genentech have begun a four-year clinical trial without waiting for data from ongoing studies, to find if a new drug can halt Alzheimer’s disease early in its progression. HIV preventatives, CRISPR, and detection of kidney damage are also in the news.
Senator With Long Covid Introduces Bill To Research Its Effects
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, has suffered mild long covid symptoms for nearly two years. Separately, Axios reports that some sufferers aren’t finding it easy to get assistance. Meanwhile, a small study of covid survivors with lingering symptoms found 59% had nerve damage.
DeSantis Criticized For Telling Students To Unmask
The confrontation happened at a news conference in Tampa, where DeSantis said masks weren’t “doing anything.” He’s since been blasted by Democratic critics. News outlets cover other masking and mandate issues in schools, businesses, and venues across the country.
